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Although dogs are creatures of habit, they still crave exercise – both physical and mental. If you don’t provide it for them, they can get bored and start to entertain themselves – often by doing things you don’t like.
When dogs are bored
Bored dogs may:
- Dig
- Chew
- Run away
- Bark or otherwise try to get your attention
- Harass the cat, annoy you, “lose” the ball under the couch repeatedly, lick/chew themselves, etc.
What to do about it
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from boredom, whether or not problem behaviors are present, you may want to:
- Make a list of simple “tricks” to teach your dog, and try to teach a new trick every few weeks.
- Keep a well-stocked box of dog toys (out of view) to provide diversion when it is needed. Rotate toys every few days, keeping 3-4 out at all times.
- Introduce food-dispensing toys to your dogs, though remember to account for these extra calories in your dog's daily feedings.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Simply hanging around in the back yard may not be enough. Do things with your dog such as take long walks or play fetch.
- Interact with your dog and offer praise and a kibble of food for good behavior. See how many good behaviors you can elicit in a day. Don't forget that the extra caloric intake from kibbles of food should be accounted for in your dog's daily feeding amounts.
- When possible, take your dog along when visiting dog-loving friends or running errands. Do not, however, leave your dog in the car unattended. This can be dangerous especially during warm weather.
Remember…
Your dog's lifestyle influences his behavior. Regular walks or play periods with your dog and praise for tricks will make your dog’s life fun and stimulating. A happy dog is less likely to develop annoying behavior problems.
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